Maybe, we got it all wrong on the meaning of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence as against the violence in Manipur. All along, people particularly from Manipur from both the warring groups have been howling and sometimes cursing him for not saying a word. When 17-year-old Hijam Linthoingambi, a young and upcoming NEET aspirant was abducted and brutally ‘executed’ by suspected Kuki militants along with a boy of the same age Phijam Hemanjit he had no words for them.
Not even a word of shock or condemnation. In his monthly musings, he chose not to mention the Manipur crisis. Yes, he did utter a few words when the photos of ‘naked parade’ were splashed everywhere. All the while, BJP local leaders had no explanation when the general public questioned them on Modi’s silence. They had no answer except that Union Home Minister Amit Shah ‘ji’ seized of the problem. BJP leaders here including the Chief Minister often say Amit Shah ‘ji’ briefs the Prime Minister on the Manipur situation almost every day.
Yet, one must understand that Modi has a reason for everything he does or speaks. He is extremely difficult to read. Lucky for him he has Amit Shah and a horde of fiery spokespersons to defend him and his actions. Besides, all credit goes to Narendra Modi ji. No one dares to claim credit or question him. The ‘sacrifice’ and ‘humility’ of his ministers and his party men is indeed astonishing, even as they chose to remain in the background and only sing paeans of the all-powerful leader. It is only a handful of leaders with strong RSS roots and support who have survived.
The rest, if anybody dares question him, are crushed and thrown to the dogs. He even had the audacity of sidelining tall leaders like Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi. Only when it suits his political agenda, he picks up leaders like the recent conferment of Bharat Ratna to the forgotten Lal Krishna Advani.
Well, that is about his power and grip on the party. One must also agree that his silence is so powerful and pervasive those who question his silence are made to feel guilty as to why should they be questioning him. Several political leaders including his own party MLAs had gone to Delhi to meet him to plead with him. But he simply had no time for them, not even the Chief Minister. But, the recent tweet by Amit Shah regarding the decision on border fencing and suspension of FMR says it all. He said, it is the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure our borders.
We all know, Amit Shah is Modi’s trusted lieutenant and henchman and if he says it must be true. Chief Minister N Biren Singh must have convinced him to mention the Prime Minister in his tweet. And another thing, we should try to look at the bright side also. What have we achieved through his silence?
Manipur has suddenly become suddenly famous. Maybe, it is for all the wrong reasons. But still, Manipur has become the most talked about state in India. The Opposition and journalists are competing to speak about Manipur every other day, the stand-up comedians are quoting Manipur, the social media is agog with memes and satirical depictions about the state and a whole new genre is out to bring focus to the once neglected and relatively unknown state in public imagination. How lucky are we!
(The views expressed are personal)
